Sylvia June Falany, 96, died Jan. 15, 2017.
She was born June 27, 1920. After graduating from Barrington Senior High School, she moved with her sister, Adeline Elsa Ost, and parents, Elsie F. Wickersheim Ost and Edward W. Ost from Illinois to New Port Richey. Within days of moving, she met the love of her life, Curtis Falany. World War II interrupted their lives when he joined the United States Navy. She spent her time waiting for him to return by working at the local post office selling war bonds. She also taught music at Gulf High School and played piano in a dance band. The couple married on Thanksgiving in 1944 and were married for 53 years.
They later settled into Tarpon Springs and New Port Richey and had two sons, Curtis E. and Charles N. Falany. The family enjoyed shrimping, scalloping, crabbing, fishing, boating and camping and traveling to North Carolina and California. Her primary love was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She spent her adult life as a church musician and was a charter member at Grace United Methodist Church in Plant City. She played piano and organ for multiple church events until she was 94. She loved children and spent her working years in Plant City as a school secretary at Tomlin Junior High School and Burney Elementary. She was a voracious reader who owned more than 500 books. She had a smile that lit up any room and enjoyed doing things for others. Her last 19 months were spent in Coventry Assisted Living Facility in Plant City, where she was well cared for by the staff and owners, Fred and Nikki Pozeznik. The family thanks the staff for their care.
She is survived by her sons, Curtis E. Falany (Jo Ellen) and Charles N. Falany; grandchildren, Marina Lynn Thompson (Scott Huff), Curtis R. Falany (Amanda) and Sylvalyn Falany-Arnold (Doug); and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis; and grandson, Charles Nathan Falany.
A funeral service was held Jan. 27, at Grace United Methodist Church in Plant City.
Donations may be made in her name to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main St., Enterprise, Florida 32725.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.